InfoSearched
Published -
- March 11, 2020
- 3:04 pm
I graduated from Advanced Helo Underwater Egress Training at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
When life gets hard THINK CLEARLY, and take small steps towards safety.
How did the Marines react when the helicopter hit the water?
STRAPPED INTO A SINKING HELICOPTER (with U.S. Marines)
As a journalist, I have covered many stories, each with its own set of dangers and challenges. However, nothing prepared me for the experience of being strapped into a sinking helicopter with U.S. Marines.
It all began when I was tasked with covering a routine training exercise by the U.S. Marines. The mission was to conduct a mock amphibious assault on a remote island in the Pacific. I felt excited to witness the training up close and capture the action on camera.
As we approached the island, we were all briefed on the protocol for boarding the helicopter. We were instructed to wear our life jackets and seat belts throughout the flight. Despite the precautions, nobody could anticipate what was about to happen next.
As the helicopter approached the shoreline, the pilot misjudged his landing and hit the water with one wheel first. The impact caused the aircraft to spin around and start sinking rapidly. Chaos broke out as the passengers tried to free themselves from the harnesses and scramble to escape the cabin.
The water was freezing, and I could feel the panic rising as I struggled to unbuckle my seat belt. The Marines sprang into action, helping each other out and trying to rescue those who were trapped in the sinking helicopter. The water level rose quickly, and there was a real danger of drowning for those who couldn’t get out.
When I finally managed to free myself, I swam to the surface, and the sound of the chopper engine vanished as it sunk below the waves. We were stranded in the middle of the ocean, miles away from the shore, with no means of communication or rescue.
We were forced to tread water for hours as we waited for help to arrive. The grueling experience brought us closer, as we shared our fears and stories with each other. I witnessed the bravery and professionalism of the Marines, who remained calm and focused throughout the ordeal.
Eventually, a rescue team arrived, and we were pulled to safety. The incident left a lasting impact on all of us, reminding us of the dangers of combat training and the importance of taking precautions to prevent accidents.
In conclusion, the experience of being strapped into a sinking helicopter with U.S. Marines was harrowing, but it also presented a humbling opportunity to witness their courage and resilience in the face of danger. It’s a reminder that even the most carefully planned missions can go wrong, and it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected.
